A career at the top marked by integrity and empathy

Few enter the racing world tinier than the 6st 2lb at which he tipped the scales when taking his first ride, few leave it having made a bigger contribution.

Tom O'Ryan punched above his weight from those early days as a 16-year-old apprentice with Pat Rohan in Malton and did so for the next 45 years.

He made a better fist than most of the tough battle that is the life of a professional rider, a Bogside Cup victory on Alverton the highlight of a career he recalled with pride.